Most of my time in Maryland has been spent with Marita and Rink, neighbors up our old block in University Park. We moved away nearly 12 years ago, but we have kept in close contact over those years, attending each other's children's weddings, visiting whenever we can, checking in on email and telephone. Breast cancer is creating havoc with Marita's abilities: her hearing and eyesight are failing. A wheelchair has replaced her walking, running, playing soccer. The hospice nurse, social worker, chaplain make their rounds. Yet Marita is surrounded by the great love of the love of her life, Rink. All day neighbors, friends, co-workers, and family come by and offer their visits, their time, their help. Charlotte came by on Friday and make some good Peruvian ceviche for Rink and did up the time line for his cooking on Thanksgiving. Vanessa brings the grandchildren by; their energies and noise fill the house. The comings and goings and love of these folks pass the hours.
